If You’re Looking To Start Your Culinary Career, Here Are 3 Tips For You

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for culinary specialists and cooks is on the rise. The field is expected to grow by about 9% between 2014 and 2024, making the culinary arts a good field choice for many.

But how to start a culinary career? What are the steps that one can take?

One of the first things that you should do is attend a trade school like culinary schools and enroll in college courses geared towards the field. You can develop an understanding of cooking on a professional level and get some hands on experience that will come in handy after graduation.

Be Patient, But Also Be Driven
Get a job in a kitchen and work your way up. Get experience in the field starting at the bottom and keep in mind that the hours are going to be tough and not nearly as glamorous as they’re depicted on television. You’ll be on your feet nearly all day every day, and you need to be focused, often on a single task for hours.

Just remember that every famous and well-known and beloved chef started where you did, and aspire to get there too. You need to be patient and you need to endure.

Ask Questions, But Listen
At the start of your career, your job is to work and to learn. You should never be afraid to ask questions in the kitchen, but you should also never question the chef. You need to nod and agree, “Yes, Chef.” Those two words convey respect and a willingness to work and follow directions.

Be Respectful
Respect your kitchen and your fellow cooks. A good kitchen is a living, breathing machine made of people, equipment, and products. You need to show all three respect if you’re going to be successful.

Swallow your pride and work with the team, and you’ll learn and grow as a cook and as a chef.

These are just a few of the tips that one can give a new and upcoming chef or cook that wants to start their career. If you have questions about how to start a culinary career, then contact us for more information.